Posts Tagged ‘sick at school’

As winter blusters on, the flu is here in full force spreading across college campuses around the nation. While you may have heard fellow students make boastful claims of, “I never get sick,” don’t make the same mistake of thinking that you are immune! Influenza – or flu – includes symptoms such as fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. Many factors make college students especially at risk for coming in contact with germs: close living quarters, classrooms, shared restrooms, and social activities.

We often find ourselves unprepared for the worst, so take the time to set aside your very own flu survival kit to help you have a speedy and comfortable recovery.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Fever and pain relievers. Over-the-counter medicines such as Advil and Tylenol can help bring down a fever and reduce pain from body aches that can accompany the flu.

Cough syrups and drops. There are two types of cough syrups: expectorants and suppressants. Cough expectorants should be used when you have chest congestion; cough suppressants should be used when your cough is dry and there is no mucus. Pop a bag of cough drops into your kit too as those can help with your cough and soothe your sore throat.

Nasal sprays. Breathe easier by using a nasal spray, which can help clear out all that stuffiness your nose may experience.

Tissues. Have many of these at the ready to keep your runny nose in check and to keep germs from spreading around your dorm room. When going to class, take a travel pack with you or stuff a handful in your pocket.

Thermometer. A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher is generally considered a fever. Keep it monitored with a either a standard mercury thermometer or digital thermometer.

Fluids. Beating the flu is much more difficult when you are dehydrated. Be sure to include fluids to drink in your kit, such as good ol’ H2O, sports drinks, ginger ale, flat soda, and chicken soup.

Tea and Honey. Honey is known to soothe your throat and help your immune system; it goes down great when mixed in your favorite tea.

This survival kit should help to keep your sickness at bay, however, should any of your symptoms become worse, visit the doctor. Many college campuses have student health centers, so take advantage of services like these to stay happy and healthy!